Science behind cultural “why”s - Part 2

A simple reason, to have an oil-bath.

An oil bath, leave alone applying oil on our heads, is scoffed at, by the younger generation!
Our ancestors believed in body cleanliness foremost because our physical body is the abode of our soul (atma).
The oil bath does soothe our body and is no doubt pleasurable to the physical system. But the reasons, are these.
The medicated oils spread their goodness all over our body and when we massage the oil all over, blood circulation gets accelerated. A minor ailment likely to come up in any part of the body is arrested in the initial stage itself. More importantly, the oil blocks the invisible germs present on our skin after our activities, from entering inside, through the pores of the skin.

Why is it advised to face east when bathing in a river and avoid west?

The planets and the stars are supposed to be moving around the universe from east to west. The earth receives the positive magnetic energy from them. If we face west after dipping in the water in a river, that energy deposits on our back. By facing east after bathing, we, as though, invite that good energy to spread on the front side of the body, specially heart.

Why is it advised to wipe dry our back first after a bath?

This rule holds good only for those who have a bath in river or pond and not for us who finish our bath with just a bucket of water!! But the explanation is interesting.

The Goddess of prosperity is called Sridevi and the Goddess of poverty and misery, Moodevi. The former is positive energy and the latter negative energy. They are always present in our body, but in varying proportions. When we pour water on our head and body both they leave our body and are just waiting to enter back. The latter rushes and enters the body through the part which is dry, first. Since we want positive energy abundantly, we first dry our back so that the negative energy settles there. Now, the positive energy, though second in ‘the race’, enters us from the front, blessing us as well, for the whole day.
According to science, our back gets more affected by a chill. So, this can affect our spine in the long run and we will fall sick. Rheumatism is likely to set in. By drying the back first, we avoid this!

 

Dear Hema,
You did it again, thanks!! I plan to post every thursday morning.
I usually warm the oil & use, but red chilli addition is new to me. We add pepper & rice & that too, only for deepavali day bath!!
My MIL was an ardent believer in twice-a-week oil bath & I got into that habit!!
Love,
C.

 

No comments! :biggrin2:
Since our body gets exposed to water for a longer time, I think, it is better to avoid oil bath when children have cold. For girls, the hair does take time to dry & it is best to take precautions.
In general, after an oil bath, it is advisable to dry the hair completely before tying it since wet hair causes sinusitis.Love,
C.

 

Thanks for coming here, Shanti.
I mean medicated oil by what you have written!!
Yes, shikakai or payaru mavu is best because it leaves the hair soft.
In present day life, once a week is good enough. An oil bath taken in a hurry is not worth it because we will not dry the hair properly. Not only will we get cold & head-ache, the hair will give a foul smell, mixed with sweat!!
Living in Chennai, I still continue only gingelly oil!
Love,
C.